Dear GA Families

We have been extremely impressed with our new cohort of year 7 students.  This week has marked a great start of their journey with us here at Gloucester Academy.

Apprentice Week

Year 7’s first week at Gloucester Academy will be their ‘apprenticeship week’.  This will ensure students are well prepared to begin their journey up their own personal mountain to the very best universities and professions.  During their apprenticeship week, they will learn how to complete their homework, including their Sparx maths.

Students will have assemblies each day that will cover our expectations and rewards, recognising your children's successes and addressing the key information they need to be successful at Gloucester Academy.  They will have their fingerprint scanned for canteen payments and receive their RFL card (ready for learning card).  As your child is an apprentice they will be supported and guided through each day, ensuring the transition is smooth and informative.  We ask that all new Year 7 parents speak to their children each day about the apprenticeship week and what they have learnt. 

Part of the apprenticeship week will also include your child sitting two mini assessments, an NGRT (New Group Reading Test) and a maths assessment.  These will indicate your child's reading and mathematical ability to ensure they are set accordingly for their subjects.  Following these assessments all students will then receive their timetable, and be allocated teaching groups. 

In addition to this, students will complete their digital passport.  Your child will learn how to log into the school computers, access emails and sign into their Sparx maths accounts. 

Graduation - for students and parents

To end the week, we will be holding a graduation ceremony on Friday 15th September 2023.  Your child would have accumulated achievement points throughout the week, as well as golden tickets and shout outs from their teachers.  We would love for you to be a part of this ceremony to celebrate your child’s achievements, so please join us on Friday 15th September 2023 from 2:15pm - 3:30pm.  Please arrive at the Painswick Road pedestrian entrance at 2:15pm; the graduation ceremony will begin at 2:30pm.  During this interval we will be offering afternoon tea and an opportunity to hear about their amazing week.

Please confirm your attendance by completing this GOOGLE FORM.  You are allocated two graduation tickets.

We look forward to celebrating together on Friday 15th September 2023.  If you have any questions at all please contact the Head of Key Stage 3 & Transition; Miss Roper aroper@gloucesteracademy.co.uk    

Yours sincerely

A Roper

Miss A Roper

Head of Year 7